To introduce students to the processes involved in translating from English to French, and to develop practical ability in translation, including ability to use relevant translation resources.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed

recognise a number of common problems involved in translating between French and English

KCPT

Begin to develop strategies for dealing with these difficulties

KCPT

Be able to use a bilingual dictionary effectively

KCPT

Be able to translate passages of English into accurate French, using appropriate style and register

KCPT

have developed creativity and problem-solving skills

KCPT

Have gained insight into cultural differences between French and English

KCPT

Have improved communication skills in both writing and discussion

KCPT

Have developed their ability to write good, clear French

KCPT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Introduction in the skills and strategies of translation between French and English.

Practical translation work on non-specialised texts from French to English.

Texts will be from various sources, chosen to illustrate a wide variety of translation problems. These texts will be analysed and discussed with a view to finding possible solutions to the problems they raise.

Students will prepare translations outside class, in order to receive feedback and improve their translation skills.

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Enable students to acquire explicit knowledge of the linguistic structures, grammar and stylistic registers through attending classes and reading in the target language;
Encourage student participation and learner autonomy, through small group classes, reading outside contact hours and participating in seminars;
Develop ability to use linguists’ tools, such as dictionaries and IT resources;
Develop research skills, through reading and presenting findings, through informal class presentations and in the assignments;
Enable students to engage in analytical and evaluative thinking, to analyse and interpret texts and other cultural products, through attending classes and engaging in individual study.
Develop communication skills through interactions in class;
Provide opportunities for students to develop practical competence in translation.

The learning and teaching methods include:

Teaching will be delivered in practical seminars.

There will be opportunities for class discussion, group work and peer evaluation.

Further guidance for independent study will be provided by the class tutor.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate

Knowledge and understanding of the use of the target language;
Ability to analyse and interpret texts;
Ability to select and synthesise information from written and oral texts;
Ability to use IT skills to find and present relevant information;
Subject-specific knowledge of French history and culture.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

Three equally weighted texts (c.250 words each) during semester

This gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work independently to apply strategies and solve problems in translating a range of texts, using a variety of resources.

Two hour exam.

Students demonstrate ability to use strategies and solve problems in translating a text under pressure of time, using just a bilingual dictionary.

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2017/8 academic year.